B. Nagendra's resignation ends Congress minister's 25-day tenure after embezzlement charge

Nagendra's Exit Lifts BJP Spirits After String of Political Setbacks

The resignation of B. Nagendra, who lasted just 25 days as a minister following a chargesheet in a Scheduled Tribe welfare fund embezzlement case, has given the Opposition BJP its first significant breakthrough against the Congress government after a period marked by internal turmoil and electoral defeats.

Arrest Decline Reverses BJP's Losing Streak

The party had been under fire from both its own cadre and central leadership for failing to mount aggressive campaigns or achieve tangible results, making Nagendra's exit a critical validation of its protest strategy. BJP national president Nitin Nabin underscored the importance of the outcome by personally congratulating Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok during a Friday meeting.

The victory comes at a crucial time for the BJP, which had faced a humiliating defeat in recent Legislative Council polls where it failed to protect its own legislators, while internal groupism further damaged party morale. Central BJP strategists had grown worried after D.K. Shivakumar took over as Chief Minister from Siddaramaiah, fearing their state unit leaders would struggle to match his aggressive style.

Opposition Senses Momentum Shift

The party's confidence began building when the Monsoon Session was abruptly cut short by two days, with the BJP successfully pressuring the Chief Minister to accept Nagendra's resignation after sustained protests throughout the legislative session.

Buoyed by the outcome, the BJP and its coalition partner JD(S) now plan to launch campaigns on multiple fronts, including alleged irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission recruitment exams, the government's drought response, the Bidadi Township Project, and legal issues surrounding NICE road toll collection. State president B.Y. Vijayendra and Ashok have declared that Nagendra's resignation marks the beginning, not the end, of their offensive.

However, party strategists caution that sustaining this momentum will require ending internal groupism, energizing the cadre, and improving coordination with the JD(S). The immediate tactical question facing the coalition is whether to proceed with a planned padayatra in Ballari scheduled for September 1, with senior leaders yet to decide on its continuation.

Source: The Hindu